Tabitha Tomala

Thank you to Escapist Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

On Adalynn’s twenty-first birthday, she is finally able to enlist in the Rothschan military. With the extra funds provided by her employment, she can help her parents and make long-needed repairs on their home. But the day she enlists, an accident sets the enlistment office on fire and forces Adalynn to run for her life. Uncontrollable magic has awakened within her and the kingdom of Rothschan is no longer safe. Adalynn flees to Calia, where she hopes to learn control over her power. But Renton won’t let her escape so easily. With the Rothschan army at his back, Renton is determined to bring the Kingdom of Calia to its knees and capture Adalynn.

Rachanee Lumayno never fails to embrace the bonds of family in each of her novels. Within just a few short chapters the reader can feel how close Adalynn and her parents are. And this makes it all the more heartbreaking when she must leave them behind on her flight from Rothschan. On her own for the first time, Adalynn battles with the uncertainty of her future and a sudden influx of power she never imagined could be real. Sheltered to believe Rotschan was a Kingdom of strict yet fair laws and magic was a myth, she has a lot to learn.

As Adalynn navigates life in Calia, she embraces an entirely new culture of magic and acceptance. While it may take her a while to adjust, she is quick to form new friendships. And when the stakes are increasingly raised, Adalynn will have to rely on her newfound friends to overcome the odds. Readers will be captivated as Adalynn stands alongside her fellows, ready to face down whatever new obstacles Renton throws in their path.

Heir of Magic and Mischance takes readers on a magic-filled adventure with a wonderful cast of characters. There will also be a few character appearances and mentions from the previous novels in the Kingdom Legacy Series. I enjoy how each novel is its own adventure and can be read separately or in order. Though reading them out of order may spoil the previous novels. If you enjoy easy-to-read, lighter-hearted fantasy novels give this one a try!

The Third Poppy War may have ended, but the Dragon Warlord still seeks to conquer the land. Adrift and on the run with her Cike, Rin is swept up into the Warlord’s plan. Start a civil war and from the ashes create a new democratic Republic. But Empress Daji will never give up her hold. Honed for war, Rin jumps to the cause and with her Phoenix God aims to end Daji’s rule once and for all.

The Dragon Republic is a brutal tale of war and how it touches the lives of everyone forced to be a part of it. The devastation wrought by the character’s previous choices in The Poppy War will be exposed in this second novel. R.F. Kuang broadens the reader's awareness of the famine and destruction causing thousands to become refugees. And as the characters witness the results of their actions, the mental battle begins as they come to terms with what they have done. Or, some simply turn to addiction to seal away the emotions, refusing to confront what has occurred.

Throughout the novel, Rin is at war with herself. Torn between doing what she believes is her purpose, and dealing with the aftershocks. A snap decision on the field of battle may secure a victory, but what happens after the dust has settled and the bodies lay festering? The Dragon Republic shows how a girl raised to believe she is a tool to be used, can turn into one of the deadliest soldiers. And how the conflicting emotions of choices made in the heat of battle can haunt a person long after the battle has ended.

Rin is an unlikeable character. Oftentimes she is both selfish and self-destructive. Instead of facing her problems, she charges ahead, keeping her mind busy with war and who will be her next target. It is easier to be angry and strike out at those around her versus owning up to her past mistakes. But at the same time, R.F. Kuang uses Rin’s moments of weakness to show how she became such a detrimental character.

This grimdark military fantasy will spare no one. Be prepared to dive into the darkest depths of war, and all the chaotic and tangled relationships that come along with it. Choosing a side isn’t so easy when friends are on the opposite one. But war is war, and Rin will live up to her full potential as a deadly shaman no matter the costs.

Thank you to A.K.M. Beach for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Ysoldette braved the banshee Lady Vago’s ire and listened to the woman’s tale of loss and grief. Imbuing herself with Lady Vago’s memories and tethering herself to a source of anguish, she promises to free her. Pulled towards the town of Basalt Ridge, somewhere within lies the sorcerer who doomed the Vago Household. And in the woods, horrendous beasts prey on any who dare to linger. Tormented day and night, the people of Basalt Ridge have lost hope. Ysoldette and the holy company she rides with will have their faith tested as they battle against a seething evil and its minions.

The atmosphere of Lady Vago's Absolution will send a chill down the reader’s spine. The town of Basalt Ridge is picturesque of rot and ruin brought on by unholy sorcery. And as the characters pursue their quest, new horrors are unearthed. There is only so far the power of light can reach before the shadows threaten to overtake it. And as readers are drawn farther down the path of darkness, they will find all manner of ghosts and grotesque creatures the company must face. Not all will be able to hold faith. The torment each suffers as they come to terms with their limitations is gut wrenching.

Lady Vago’s Absolution introduces readers to the fascinating magic system of Bibliomancy. Based on a person’s faith, those who call upon the holy power must draw from a golden dragon. Items are enchanted with the dragon’s holiness, but with use lose their magic. Ysoldette and the nobles call upon their magic with various uses of meditation, holy artifacts, prayer, and herbs. Ysoldette herself has an unconventional way of using her power, and for this, she is looked down upon by the other nobles. Some may even say she balances on the edge of blasphemy.

Ysoldette is overshadowed by her heritage. Though she travels with the High Lord and the cleansing party, she is the only commoner among them. And while her abilities may be effective against the darkness, she doesn’t follow the strict guidelines of bibliomancy. There are many terse words thrown at her despite the discoveries she makes and the spirits she puts to rest. Yet she persists, at the cost of her own life and faith to do what she knows is right. Ysoldette’s character progression is complex and rife with self-doubt and inner turmoil. The perfect mix for a gothic novel.

While Lady Vago’s Absolution encompasses a wider world than the original novel, it also allows the reader to experience even more delightfully gothic elements. The characters are each unique and plagued by their own desires and tests of faith. The overshadowing mystery torments not only the characters but the reader as well, demanding answers and a resolution to feelings of distress. If you enjoy gothic fantasy novels, you must read this duology.

The Order of Sardo has deemed Nerana evil due to her innate ability with magic. There are few safe places left for Nerana to hide, for the Order has spread tales of false treachery. And if Nerana dares to use her magic, the Order has placed a curse on her, allowing them to hunt her down. When she learns of an artifact able to break her curse, Nerana eagerly sets out to find it. But finding the artifact alone will not be enough.

Curse of the Fallen jumps readers right into the moment as Nerana and her comrades steal an item called the arun. But their heist isn’t so easily won as they find they must disenchant it first. Readers will be taken on an action-filled journey as Nerana quests to disenchant the arun and break her curse. Along the way H.C. Newell does a wonderful job building up the tensions of the world and how the Order of Sardo has convinced people of Nerana's supposed evil. There certainly is something causing the dark creatures of myth to come alive and torment souls once more. But can it truly be caused by Nerana’s abilities, or is she a clever scapegoat?

The parallel progression of Nerana’s quest and the increasingly horrific encounters she and her friends experience will hook readers into the story. But there were a few moments where consistency waned. Nerana herself mentions how the Order is able to track her down when she uses her magic. And there are times when she has no choice but to use her magic. Yet when she is found after these events, Nerana seems confused how she was able to be located. This doesn’t make the story any less enjoyable, as each encounter is laced with conflict and close calls.

Curse of the Fallen has a unique way of using footnotes. Instead of large moments of exposition, readers are given the option to learn more by reading footnotes. If you aren’t reading for worldbuilding, then skip the footnotes and stick to the action. But if you are a reader who enjoys learning about the details of a world, then the footnotes are there to help. Though I do wish a bit more of Nerana’s backstory had been introduced to readers earlier on, once the story delves into it I found myself connecting the dots from prior scenes.

Readers who enjoy grimdark tales should give this one a try. While it may start off with a heist, Curse of the Fallen grows darker with each turn of the page. And when readers reach the emotionally charged end of this particular journey, they will find themselves longing for the next book.

This was a DNF. Exposition in the middle of multiple action sequences is not a writing style for me. I prefer organic world building to info dumps.

Never pray to those who answer in the dark.

Forced into marriage, on the day of her wedding Addie prays to anyone who will hear her desperate cries. When the darkness offers Addie a bargain, the life she wants for her soul, Addie sees no other choice. But the moment words of agreement are whispered, Addie’s life irrevocably changes. She may be immortal and free to live as she chooses, but she will never be remembered again.

The years are not kind to Addie as she learns the world is a dangerous place for women. And until she grasps the full capabilities of her extended life, she will struggle to survive. V.E. Schwab’s prose captures such a profound sense of loneliness and emotionally connects Addie to the reader. Over the course of three centuries, Addie will share with readers her journey from victim to survivor. Through the ups and downs of both past and present, Addie must endure the mental struggle of forever being alone. Forgotten by all except the one who caused it all.

The darkness is always near, waiting to catch Addie at her weakest moment. The fierce and complex moments between Addie and her dark stranger up the tension and keep the reader engaged. There is a sense of both attraction and repulsion, oftentimes blending and causing a confusing mix of emotions for Addie. And when she finally finds someone who remembers her aside from the darkness, a thrill will course through the reader as Addie is forced to reevaluate everything she has done in her life. The doubt and fear readers endure as she cautiously explores the impossible with someone who remembers her are heartbreaking.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is as haunting as it is beautiful. Each century is brought to vivid life for the reader through Addie's experiences. And the audiobook is fantastic as the narrator takes into account which century Addie is in and how her French accent changes over time. Addie’s life is painted in such an unforgettable way despite the character herself being forgotten at every turn. I highly recommended this book to those who enjoy historical fantasy novels and darker mental themes.

Julius has never been the strongest or the most powerful in his dragon clan. To survive, he has kept out of the way of his ambitious siblings and hidden. But his mother has had enough of his passive behavior. Sealed into a human body, Bethesda throws Julius into the DFZ. A land ruled by spirits who abhor dragons. Julius has to hit the ground running and prove he can be a dragon without being caught. Or else he becomes his mother’s next meal.

Julius is not the typical main character who is powerful and capable or even one who starts off weaker and grows into an alpha male. He’s never wanted to be a normal dragon, which means he isn’t going to be dominant or overbearing. He’s bullied by his family and looked down on for being kind and considerate. While at times his easygoing nature may wear on readers, there’s also the interest in seeing what exactly he can accomplish. His physical and magical skills may not be enough for his fellow dragons, but his mind can be just as influential.

Despite Julius being less dominant than his siblings, he is still determined to protect those he considers friends. When he and the mage Marci team up, they end up being pulled into each other's problems. But instead of abandoning her, Julius stays by her side and weathers the oncoming storms. Of course, it helps that Julius’s brother Justin is pulled into the mix.

Rachel Aaron chooses wisely to have Julius overshadowed by his brother Justin throughout the story. Justin is everything a typical dragon would be, and his plans are abrasive and violent. With such a huge contrast between the two dragons, readers are able to see Julius’ capabilities in a different light. And experiencing the two arguing about tactics was nothing less than entertaining.

I would recommend Nice Dragons Finish Last to readers looking for an action-packed yet simple to read urban fantasy. And if you’d like to see an entirely different type of dragon, check out this novel. Sure they may be able to breathe fire and use magic, but they also have a way of using posh politics to manipulate characters behind the scenes.

Nate has never played by the rules. He knows the society he grew up in is broken, and he will make sure the rest of the world knows it too. But the King will not stand for anything disrupting his utopia, even if it is corrupt and centered around the wealthy. When Nate is forced to run or die, he doesn’t hesitate to head for the Outlands. A place that may be filled with danger, but the King will never find him. Unfortunately, he isn’t alone and Catherine is dragged into fleeing for her life. A woman who grew up in the wealth of society, who sees no fault in how she lives. But as she encounters the hardships on their journey to the Outlands, her worldwide views begin to change.

A Touch of Death centers around a society where if you pay a high enough amount, you’ll get away with almost anything. It also focuses on how the less well-off members of society are considered second-rate and do not receive the same attention and care the wealthy do. Nate has a fiery attitude and puts his life on the line to try and expose the truth of society. And while he is one of the wealthy, he refuses to act like it. He uses what power he has to form resistance groups, and in the end, it is his ultimate downfall.

While Nate kicks off the events of the story, most of it is told through Catherine’s point of view. This was a wonderful decision as it showed how someone who fully believed in society began to see the error in its ways. Catherine was so steadfast against Nate and could not believe why he caused so much trouble. But her encounters on the run began to open her eyes to the bigger picture and to see not everything was perfect in utopia.

I do wish more time had been spent with the secondary characters. Nate and Catherine go through so much growth and yet we don’t see much from the characters that eventually join their quest. The journey itself was such an interesting part of the story, and it would have been great to have more time to see Nate and Catherine bond with outside characters. The emotional ties would have formed much closure for the readers, causing more of an emotional pull when they encountered challenges along the way.

However, the way Nate and Catherine developed their relations was fantastic. Putting Catherine with a character she could not stand, yet had to rely on for survival caused a heady dose of drama and tension. Add to the fact that she doesn’t fully believe in the reason they are running away and doubting every choice they’ve made. Imagine your entire world is upset by someone you can’t stand, and the more time you spend with them, all the thoughts and ideals you had about life are turned upside down. You constantly question, is this the truth? Even when it is blatantly all around you.

A Touch of Death is a book for those who enjoy dystopian novels with fiery tempered characters. And when you turn the final page, you’ll be eager to see what new direction the story will go. I certainly need to find out!

Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Hanako has seen strange things her entire life. Living in the town of Alamogordo, where the creeping Gloomdark envelopes the town at night, one would think seeing the strange would be normal. But Hanako has been convinced she’s insane. Until she witnesses, a young girl attacked by a being no one else can see and becomes entangled in discovering the effects of a new drug in town.

The supernatural elements of The Silent Dark are fantastic. C.J. Stilling built an entire culture to exist alongside normal society. Told through multiple viewpoints, readers have the chance to see through the eyes of believers and nonbelievers. For some, there are perfectly normal explanations for what happens, and for others, they see the truth. This created a wonderful blend of friction between the various characters searching for answers.

I will caution that this book does deal with the subject of childhood trauma at the hands of a parent. Many of Hanako’s insecurities stem from the trauma she endured at the hands of her father. For readers who are easily triggered by childhood abuse, this won’t be the book for you. Hanako’s struggle to open up about her past and overcome her trauma was intense. As Hanako learns to use her powers, she will encounter flashbacks of her abuse and by overcoming her trauma she also becomes stronger.

Hanako also struggles to maintain human connections because of her past, but that doesn’t mean she gives up trying to keep them. Throughout The Silent Dark, she isn’t just learning how to use her powers, she’s also learning how to form connections with others and how to navigate through friendships that change. The emotional connection readers form with Hanako will urge them to read on to see how she overcomes each one of the challenges presented to her.

The Silent Dark is a thrilling mystery steeped in supernatural happenings. This is the type of story that presents readers with multiple pieces of a puzzle and urges them to continue reading in order for the pieces to create a full picture. I could not put this book down.

Gleanings will take readers throughout Scythe history and introduce them to some of the most notorious Scythes. There they will experience how the scythes made pivotal decisions in their lives that would forever change the world. There are also stories to bring readers into the aftermath of the events from the main storyline and tell the tales of those directly affected.

While reading Arc of the Scythe I was fascinated by the ways the Thunderhead would do all it could to support those under its care. Not to mention the crafty ways in which it would try to help those in the Scythdome without being able to directly interact with them. I was no less impressed by the Thunderhead’s maneuverings in a few of the short stories in Gleanings. And I would love to see the progression of the new branch of the Thunderhead that was introduced that works in an all new way. The world-building that continued to occur in this collection of short stories shows just how creative and intuitive Neal Shusterman can be.

But it isn’t all about the future and happy tidings. Gleanings also presents stories of scythes who take gleaning to an all new level, using their abilities for their own gain despite the rules they should be following. My favorite of these would be when one scythe in particular took the dog of the people he gleaned. Little does he know the dog has its own agenda and does not appreciate the scythe’s attitude of actions. And through its own doggy ways, it exacts revenge and establishes dominance in the household. A tragic story that made me chuckle by the end.

There is so much to offer with Gleanings. The world readers have come to enjoy is wrapped up in small snippets that will cause as much outrage as laughs. The satirical humor I came to adore in Arc of the Scythe is ever present and continues the fantastic journey through a dystopian world. I enjoyed learning more about the larger figures of the Scythedom and their beginnings. I do recommend you complete the trilogy prior to reading this anthology. While it isn’t necessary, as a reader you will enjoy the book all the more if you do.

Thank you to R&R Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Oliana dreams of going to school for Drama and pursuing her passion for acting alongside her best friend Devin. But when tragedy strikes, Oliana finds herself investigating Devin’s death. People are claiming it was suicide, yet the clues say otherwise. And the closer Oliana comes to finding out the truth, the deadlier it will become for her.

Despite being under a hundred pages, there is a lot going on in Shadowed Seats. Marguerite Ashton immediately sets the stage for Oliana’s somewhat disjointed home life and dives into dark family secrets. While I wish readers could have seen more about Oliana’s brother who is the center of some issues, I understood the focus was to remain on Oliana. I do hope in future novellas we see more of her brother Daniel.

Marguerite Ashton knew exactly what to present to the reader to make an impactful emotional scene. There was so much care taken to show Oliana and Devin’s friendship. I do wish Devin’s final moments had been written in a way to slow down time and allow the reader to process what they were feeling a bit more. Oliana is certainly determined to prove what happened to her best friend, and I believe she channels her grief into actions. Sometimes it is easier to keep busy than dwell on grief, but seeing her grieve in a bit more detail would have elevated the scene even more.

Oliana doesn’t hesitate to dig into whatever she can to uncover the truth of Devin’s death. Even if it means dumpster diving and being covered in day old spaghetti. But with each new clue, the threat to her also increases. The tension ramps up as Oliana comes closer to the truth and whoever is behind Devin’s murder begins to target Oliana as well. Readers will be absorbed in the murder mystery and demand answers.

Shadowed Seats is a quick mystery read that contains an underlying message about bullying and how damaging it can be both online and in person. I would recommend this to older young adult readers who enjoy murder mysteries. I certainly can’t wait to see what happens in book two!

Taking a step back from the main story arcs of Dragonlance will reveal quite an interesting collection of tales. Readers will encounter new adventures from the companions, as well as side stories from various time periods and lands. Each story focuses on either love or war. And it is all wrapped up under the pretense of a folklorist collecting stories on their journey.

While I always enjoy learning more about the companions, I also treasure the smaller tales in Dragonlance. Sure there is plenty of action and adventure to be had while war breaks out and our trusty companions battle the dark forces, but what happens to the regular folk who are swept up in these times as well? What about the tales of legends readers may encounter on their journeys but never fully come to realize the history behind them? This is the heart of these anthologies and all the extra lore bits I eagerly consume.

It is easy enough for me to say my favorite tale was Hide and Go Seek. Centered around Tasslehoff wandering away and being kidnapped, the kender hilariously tries to wriggle his way out of the situation. But there’s a young boy’s life at stake as well, and Tas with his quick thinking does all he can to free them both. But Tas being Tas doesn't always think things through and places them in precarious situations. This is one tale that will have readers laughing as well as biting their nails waiting for one wrong move to foil any hope the two have of freedom.

My second favorite was Hunting Destiny which focused on the White Stag. Not much is told to the readers when they first encounter this mythical creature in the Dragonlance Chronicles. Sturm reflects on the Stag being part of Huma’s legend, but what is the Stag? Is it merely another beast of the forest, or is much more? Through this short story, readers will learn how the stag came to reside in Darken Wood. The extra lore tidbits thrown in hooked me, and I enjoyed learning about curses and the Forest Master. But this is also a tale to pull at your heart, for it centers around a love that can never be fully realized. And listening to the audiobook each time a verse was sung, the melody was haunting.

If you are new to the Dragonlance world, make sure to read Dragons of Autumn Twilight first. There will be some light spoilers if you read Love and War before starting The Chronicles. I also believe you’ll appreciate the companions' tales much more. A few center on a time before the companions met, giving the reader background information that will show why the characters act as they do in Dragons of Autumn Twilight. I enjoyed each story in this anthology and if you are a fan of the series already, you will be sure to enjoy the side tales and extra lore granted from Love and War.

After a worldwide tragedy is caused by genetic manipulation, laws are put into place banning the research. Having played an unknowing part in the devastation, and serving time for it, Logan Ramsey now works for an organization that takes down gene labs. But his latest bust may be his last. As he and his partner enter the lab, an explosion causes ice shrapnel to lodge in Logan's body. As it melts, something races through his body, rewriting his genetic code. At first, it seems like he only has a case of the flu. But when his intelligence increases and his body begins to change, Logan’s fear of being genetically mutated comes to a startling reality. And his employer would rather lock him away in a black box than risk his genetic mutation from spreading.

The concept behind Upgrade was fascinating. What would happen if scientists could manipulate the human genome, making them faster, stronger, smarter, and impervious to disease? But then again, if they were able to do that, would it be taking things too far? Upgrade explores the reasons behind gene manipulation and possible complications resulting from it. And it throws in a dash of family conflict too.

Logan has always wanted to be as smart as his mother. Her comprehension and ability to manipulate genes made her one of the top geneticists. However, she was more dedicated to her work than being a parent, leaving behind an absence of emotion Logan carries throughout his life. Not to mention Logan served time behind bars for the devastation his mother’s last experiment caused. It’s no wonder Logan pursues a job he can’t stand in an attempt to make up for past mistakes. When Logan’s sister was introduced into the story I was hoping to see the complicated family dynamics play a large part in the story. However, the focus remained on the implications of gene science versus family drama.

While conflicts arise between Logan and his sister, they are captured in short clips. This allows the reader to uncover how they feel about their mother’s impact on the world but doesn’t fully delve into how Logan and his sister feel toward each other. Rather than exploring their bond by allowing them enough page time together, the reader is told how they feel and immediately the story time jumps after a major conflict between them. I would have liked to see more time spent on Logan's inner thoughts and how he felt clashing with his sister. There is an obvious anger reaction, but nothing much outside of it. And each time they meet years down the road, similar time jumps occur, never focusing long enough for the reader to see a full picture of the two other than reacting to whatever current problem is occurring.

However, the way Blake Crouch explores Logan’s evolution is fascinating. As his intelligence increases, Logan is finally able to function at a higher level on par with his mother. And he fully explores the capabilities of his body and mind. This draws the reader into otherworldly possibilities the human body could potentially experience. It also leads the reader into contemplating the ethical implications of such an upgrade.

For readers who enjoy plot-driven science fiction novels, Upgrade will be the book for you. There is a mix of gene science and ever evolving problems caused by it. Instead of dwelling too long on the repercussions against relationships and personal needs. The story steadily moves along, sometimes doing time jumps to accentuate the progress of forced gene evolution. But if you enjoy more character based storylines as I do, I would not suggest you read Upgrade.

Thank you to Lyra Wolf for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Banished from Asgard, Loki has settled down in California to live out his days with Sigyn by his side. As she attends school to become a doctor, he enjoys life lounging in the sun and causing mischief for those who cross the line. But when Sigyn comes home and collapses, causing a surge of dark magic, Loki suddenly finds his happily ever after on pause. Surtur is trying to break free, and if he does, not only will Loki lose Sigyn, but the very world will be destroyed. There is only one God with the knowledge and power to help, but it means ripping open old wounds and facing down past demons.

Loki is a character I will never tire of reading about. Especially the one portrayed in The Nine Worlds Rising series. Loki is a character who uses sarcastic humor and wits to arm himself against whatever emotionally comes his way. He’s quick to outthink the best of the Gods and cause mischief among them, but all for what he views as the better cause. The amount of ridicule he has to endure for being different is heartbreaking. But he refuses to back down, despite the continued abuse he endures from the Gods and their devious ways. Loki is a beautifully complicated character to follow.

Lyra Wolf isn’t afraid to show the messy and difficult parts of love. As some of Loki’s past deeds come to light, Sigyn must come to terms with his actions. And while their arguments may be full of anger and resentment, there is also a desire to understand one another. I appreciate that Sigyn thinks through all the angles and tries to see through Loki’s eyes. She doesn't assume and make immediate judgments. And any actions she does take that are born of anger she analyzes and tries to find the root of her feelings. Such complex emotions pull the reader in, allowing them to engage with the characters on a whole new level.

But the past doesn’t just haunt Loki’s current relationship. Embarking on a quest with Odin means he will have to relive the tender moments they once shared. It doesn’t help that Odin constantly brings up old buried memories. Ones that at the time were wonderful and fulfilling, but now bring a shadow of regret and disappointment. Loki is fully focused on making his current relationship with Sigyn work, despite the many challenges they have faced. His passion for their love is so strong, that he will do anything to see Sigyn safe. Even if it means confronting his unresolved feelings for Odin and the love they once shared.

That Good Mischief is a fast-paced and nail-biting ride as Loki races to save Sigyn. Surtur won’t go down without a fight and Loki must also contend with the spiteful anger of the Gods standing in his way. I enjoyed every minute of Loki’s sarcastic humor and determination to save Sigyn. I cannot wait for the next book!

Ryland has woken up on a spaceship, somewhere, in some universe and he doesn’t have a clue why. The only people who could tell him passed away during their journey. But as he starts to remember why he is in his current predicament, Ryland realizes he’s the last human left who can save the Earth.

Project Hail Mary is steeped in science and experimentation. While in the background the reader is conscious of the time limit Earth has, the tension isn’t really felt throughout the story. Instead, Andy Weir focuses on the tension built up from events caused by the initial experiments done on the unknown substance threatening all life as we know it. The enthusiasm Ryland feels as he progresses in his experiments and uncovers information is unmistakable. Each step forward is like an awakening and makes the setbacks hit emotionally harder.

Ryland’s story is told from a shifting perspective of past and present. As he wanders the ship and begins to unlock his memories, readers will start to see the ever-evolving story of Earth’s newest threat. Andy Weir was clever in syncing the timelines, allowing readers to see how Ryland interacted with those around him in the past and bringing in dialogue and character development that would have been stalled viewing only Ryland in his ship.

My favorite part of this novel was Ryland’s developing understanding and relationship with another life form. From the way they learned how to communicate and work together, to their quick thinking problem solving using their various backgrounds and abilities was phenomenal. Ryland is introduced as a frustrated scientist with few personal connections. Watching him form a bond with someone else and the internal thoughts he went through establishing their relationship was fascinating.

I would recommend this book if you enjoy science and engineering. Math and science are used to describe details in a way to up the ante for those who can understand the language. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people and I found myself missing out on more physical based action and tension. However, Project Hail Mary is a good book, it just isn't the book for me.

All Bree wanted was to discover the truth about her mother’s death. But life has drastically changed since she began her search. Pulled into the world of magic and Arthurian legend, Bree is now fighting for her life at every turn. And the Order that should be helping her, would rather bury the truth about the war. Bree must find a way to control her powers and forge her own path. But it will be a path ridden with danger and heartbreak.

Tracy Deonn is a master storyteller. Readers will be drawn in by well crafted descriptions and strong characters. Each character has a complex mix of emotions, pulling them in different directions. And the way those emotions are portrayed, using various senses to amplify the way characters speak and behave toward one another, brings forth such a remarkable display. Readers can’t help but be pulled into the moment and carried along as the story unfolds.

One of the most powerful scenes is when Bree faces down the Regents about her heritage and how she came to have her powers. The outright lies by omission and ignorance displayed by the Regents are upsetting and eye-opening. As Bree argues and pulls facts right in front of them, they still wish to deny what is blatantly obvious. To the Regents namesake and covering up misdeeds to save their “honor” are more important. Readers will feel outraged right alongside Bree as the Regents refuse to look beyond their limited and bigoted behaviors.

Bree has so much to deal with, yet she never backs down. Bloodmarked will leave readers poised at the edge of their seats as Bree faces down one challenge after another. Be it demons, or the Order itself, Bree will not go down without a fight. Not to mention the number of twists and turns the story takes will ensure there is never a dull moment. And listening to the audiobook, all of the character’s emotions were amplified. The way narrator Joniece Abbott-Pratt brings the characters to life is stunning.

Bloodmarked is another strong installment to the Legendborn series. From the first chapter till the last, readers will be captivated by the story. And with the way this one ends, I cannot wait to see what the next book brings

Thank you to BBNYA for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

The Kardashev Corporation controls trade, power, and just about everything in the solar system. And when CEO Alton Neal unveils his latest creation, the Swarm, he’s ready to control the power of the sun as well. Horrified at what this would mean, civilizations begin to band together to fight back against Kardashev. Thrown into the mix is Chim, a girl with the skills to manipulate almost any technology. Drawn into the conflict as her father is held captive by the Kardashev company, her abilities may be the tipping point the resistance needs. But is it too little too late?

Mercury’s Shadow is a sci-fi that shows how the advancement of technology may not be for the better of mankind. While it may provide faster transportation or other conveniences in life, how far can technology go before it harms more than helps? Add to that the greed of one corporation and Alton Neal’s desire to control the lives of everyone in the solar system.

While the politics and impact on a wider scale were well planned and the conflicts were engaging, the character relationships needed a bit more detail. The relationship between Chim and her father is one of the first introduced to readers. But the moments they have together give readers only a glance at how they interact. There is time spent building up her father’s influence on her hobbies, and how they worked on the robot Quince together. However, the information wasn’t spread out over enough of the book to make an emotional connection between the reader and the characters. I would have loved to see more moments between Chim and her father before the main conflict began.

One of the strengths of Mercury’s Shadow was the portrayal of villainy. Alton Neal is crafted to be an egomaniac who cares only for his company’s advancement. Readers will instantly dislike his mannerism and conceited viewpoint. He is quick to anger and strikes out whenever he thinks he can gain the upper hand. He is a worthy adversary for the reader to loathe, as he attempts to undermine the civilizations resisting him.

When a villain willing to risk everything to gain what he desires, goes up against a girl backed by a galaxy of resistance, a fierce space battle begins. If you enjoy sci-fi stories that deal with politics on a galaxy-wide scale, then make sure to pick up a copy of Mercury’s Shadow.

Thank you to BBNYA for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Asagi is neither man nor woman. Sold into slavery, they are subjected to emotional and physical abuse. And when one master is done, they are sold to another to repeat the cycle. When one such household leaves Asagi in charge of a young boy, they do all they can to protect him. But the inevitable happens and Asagi is torn away from the boy to be sold to another house. Guilt and heartache plague them. Pain becomes the only solace in their life, the only thing able to ground them. When the new household shows even the smallest kindness, Asagi is hesitant to believe it is possible. Surely it is some new way to torment them? Asagi will soon learn, while the master may indeed be kind, there is an underlying darkness that compels him to do so.

Asagi’s character is tragic and complex. The amount of abuse they have endured is heartbreaking. Watching the evolution of Asagi’s trauma and battle to overcome it will keep readers entranced. They are so frightened by human interaction. When Asagi begins to form connections with people they are such fragile relationships that take time to develop and grow. And even at their strongest points, the past haunts Asagi making them doubt every good thing in their life. Not to mention the confusion of trying to form relationships with people when for so long Asagi was seen as only a slave.

Bloodlaced is a dark and emotional read. An extra depth was added to the writing as readers will often feel as confused as Asagi when they try to understand their feelings of love. Asagi believed love was beyond them and when they begin to feel different kinds of love the messages seem to become mixed. There are times when the expected social interactions become skewed with other kinds of love. Then add in the element of vampirism and it mixes up the emotional drives.

Vampirism in this novel takes the form of a youkai. And while the lore around this particular youkai is limited, it makes a large impact on the story. Many of the characters' choices will be determined by the effects of the youkai and haunted pasts. And while vampirism is the perfect catalyst for many of the plot points, a stronger foundation in the lore would have added to the worldbuilding.

Bloodlaced is by no means a light read and will not be suitable for all readers. There is no shying away from the brutality characters endure. The depth of emotional and physical torment bestowed on Asagi will not be easy for readers to experience.

The Sandman Act II continues the brilliant audio adaptation of The Sandman graphic novels. Each voice actor captures the very essence of the story with fantastic audio narration. This collection of stories will tie up some loose ends from the previous volume, but it will also take readers on a journey across the world and across time to witness how Morpheus is influential in various cultures.

The focus of the story is going to drift. While there are a few overarching plot points, the majority of Act II is going to bring readers through side stories. And not every story has the Dream King as a center point. Readers will witness various cultures' perspectives of Morpheus and how they integrate belief in him into their lives. While some view him as a God, others seek him out for personal gain. And while Morpheus is never outright malicious, the price for gaining your heart’s desire is rarely what you expect it to be.

And while the settings and characters may change from tale to tale, the underlying dark tone remains the same. From the dead coming back to life and haunting the living to the demons being released from hell, there are a host of disasters to be found. And there will be no holding back on how the creatures torment the living.

The Sandman Act II is another strong installment of the audio adaptation. Act I kept my interest better due to the consistent story, but being able to witness Morpheus in different parts of the world was interesting. I’m eager to see what new tales will be told in the next volume.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The World Maker Parable

Locked away for the good of Jermoon, the chaotic Vulture has been freed. Rhona has no choice but to lead her lover Djen to the Hang-Dead forest and put her to death for aiding the Vulture. But along the way she questions her decision, surely there must be another way? Similarly, Varesh has walked the same path as Rhona. Each carries the burden of guilt. Stories of the Vulture speak of the chaos wrought, but what is truth, and what is a lie?

The World Maker Parable is a complex story, wrought with raw emotion. Readers will follow multiple characters through stories of overwhelming guilt and their ambitions to make a better world. Each is so focused on their ideas, but ultimately the decisions they make plague them as they see the results of their actions. The writing style is crafted in such a way that it draws the reader into each story, even though the barest of details are given to the characters. And the internal battle of the mind is brought to life in startling clarity.

Luke Tarzian personified trauma, making it a shadow person to live within and at times stand by the characters. As they struggled to redefine their truths and bury the memories of wrongdoing, the shadow would pull memories forward. Characters were forced to relive their dark paths to confront the atrocities they committed. Telling the story in such a way allowed readers to journey through different times and view the making or at times unmaking, of the world.

This is one of those books that lay out the pieces of a puzzle, stringing the reader along until the very end to snap them all in place. While I do wish there had been a bit more build-up to allow the reader some hint of the truth, the sudden realization is satisfying and will urge readers to jump back into the story from the beginning. With new eyes, the story carries an entirely different feeling.

The World Maker Parable will immerse readers in a darkly creative and challenging world. I recommend this to readers who enjoy thought provoking dark fantasy books. I am intrigued to see where how future novels evolve this world.

The boroughs of New York may have won their last battle with the Women in White, but she is far from gone. Hovering over Staten Island, she’s brewing up new ways to strike out against the city. With her influence, a new mayoral candidate is taking the stage, spewing racism and bigotry, and he is swiftly winning over the populace turning New York on its heels. Brooklyn, Manny, Bronca, Venezia, Padmini, and Neek are going to have to think of a plan fast. Before they lose connections to their city and another universe is destroyed.

Once again the audiobook was a phenomenal listen. Being able to hear the various accents of the characters added to the experience. Not to mention the tactfully placed sound effects and modifications to voices that incorporated environment, pitch, and tone. I highly recommended giving this a listen. I’m sure it would be a great read, but the audio will definitely make it all the more enjoyable.

It never ceases to amaze me how N.K. Jemisin can take modern world politics and put a fantasy spin on them. Politics are usually the last thing I enjoy in a book, but the writing just pulls you in and makes you connect on a whole nother level. The amount of care and ingenuity that goes into each battle, and each struggle, makes the reader feel deeply for the characters and the fate of New York. It shows how people can band together to fight for their homes, their culture, and all the things that make them who they are. But it also shows the reverse, the darker sides of humanity, the ones that disregard the individual and want uniformity. The irrational need to purge anyone who is different. The hatred and depth of xenophobia in The World We Make are startling and hit home with the radical thinking that has been brought to light in recent years. It’s terrifying and eye-opening.

The World We Make also expands on the world-building of The City We Became, introducing readers to other awakened cities. Readers will travel around the world meeting a new host of personalities and opinions. It is a fascinating adventure learning snippets about different cultures and how they view the enemy. And while New York may be full of different cultures, they certainly are due to learn a lesson about other cities and how they handle themselves.

Once again N.K. Jemisin has created an engrossing and captivating tale of culture and social awareness. If you pick up this book, brace yourself for the stunning draw of real world politics into a fantasy setting. This book is chilling in how it connects to recent events and will pull readers in with the drive to find out how the characters endure each new challenge. Once you pick up this book, you won’t be able to put it back down again until you’re finished.

Review on the way!

The Near Witch tells the story of a town on the moors. A town called Near where the inhabitants are superstitious about anything different. And that superstition caused them to make a horrible choice years ago. One that will come back to lure their children away during the night and punish them for their misguided deeds. But instead of believing in the old tales spoken of the Near Witch, they focus instead on a stranger. One who arrived in town the day their children began to disappear.

The town of Near is steeped in tradition and aside from Lexi and her late father, the townsfolk would rather keep things the same than try anything new. When Cole takes up residence with the local witch sisters, it causes quite a stir. The allure of a mysterious new boy entices Lexi to find him before her uncle and the other narrow-minded individuals of Near can.

Cole is a boy with a tragic past, one that forced him to shut himself off from most people. Readers will be drawn in as Lexi slowly breaks down his insecurities and gains his trust. While it may be a bit cliché, watching the evolution of Cole as a character was extremely satisfying. Any time a character has the chance at a better life and is forced to fight for it, I’m hooked. The way he gradually opened up to his abilities, and how they in turn allowed them to grow closer to the end goal of finding the children was wonderful.

However, there was a lot of back and forth in this story. Lexi would consistently revisit the same locations instead of readers having enough time to immerse themselves fully in each scene. Being that this was the first book Victoria Schwab wrote, I can understand the use of travel as a way to stretch the time spent solving the mystery. But where the story may have felt a bit imbalanced with the sense of time passing, the characters more than made up for it.

Despite Lexi’s father passing away prior to the beginning of the story, Victoria Schwab forms a wonderful bond between Lexi and her departed father. Many of Lexi’s actions bring back memories of her father and the townsfolk also provide subtle hints about the similarities between father and daughter. Through her father’s influence, Lexi is able to see beyond the limited view of the town and embrace new possibilities.

The Near Witch is a slower-paced read, but if you enjoy Victoria Schwab’s other novels I would suggest giving this a try. Just bear in mind when you start it, that it does read like a first novel. There will be flaws that her later works do not have, but the story is still very much enjoyable.

Bound by promise, Shiori quests to reunite a broken pearl with the dragon who can make it whole again. But along the way, she will have to face a number of challenges. From dragons to demons and even members of her own court. Shiori will journey across the land, risking the lives of those she loves to fulfill her promise.

The Dragon’s Promise took a while to reach a steady flow of narrative. Shiori’s venture into the dragon kingdom promised a powerful start to the story, but not enough time was spent building the world around the settings. The ambitions of the King and his subjects were quite clear, but the lore and culture were not as in-depth as readers have seen in the first novel. This resulted in an action filled, yet rushed time in the kingdom. While this section of the story tied up loose ends from Six Crimson Cranes, it also seemed to be a distraction from the main quest.

The storytelling felt episodic as the plot progressed, reintroducing characters and then finding ways for them to take a step back and barely be mentioned once again. While it did prove to expand the reader’s knowledge of how various parties reacted to Shiori’s magic, it also felt disjointed. As if certain characters were only introduced to propel the plot forward instead of helping the characters develop. However, my favorite moments were with Shiori and Takkan. After everything readers learned about them in book one, it was wonderful to see them stumble along and realize what their relationship could be. As the story focused on them facing challenges together, I was thoroughly hooked.

And once again Kiki was my favorite part. The little paper bird is selfless and has no problem speaking her mind. Even if it may get her and Shiori in trouble because she has no filter. The bond Kiki and Shiori share is heartwarming. They will selflessly defend one another and do all they can to help each other. Kiki also knew when to break the tension of a moment or urge Shiori to think about her choices by speaking up. Kiki was Shiori’s greatest champion, pushing her to develop and become a better person.

If you have read Six Crimson Cranes, I still encourage you to read The Dragon’s Promise. There is a great mix of romance, action, and lore, it just takes the story a little while to uncover it. And while it has its downfalls, the story does come to a satisfying ending.

Reaper #2497 remembers his name was once Steve. He also remembers the unfortunate circumstances where he killed a man and sealed his fate to become a reaper. But unlike some of the other reapers, he hates his job. While his daily assignments may help him bring mercy to those near the end of their life, the thirty random people each month weigh heavily on him. This month he’s pushing the limit. He doesn’t start his quota until he’s threatened with extermination and he has three days left to eliminate thirty people. But there has to be something he can do to restart his life. Or at the least, make something better in his reaper unlife. With three days left, Steve sets out to find a different path.

The Reaper’s Quota is steeped in dark humor and has a protagonist who tries to make the best out of his situation. Readers will travel alongside Steve as he fulfills his daily assignments and slowly but surely takes out his monthly quota. But in between reaping, readers will see Steve struggle to remember emotions and how to be human.

The story did grow repetitive at times. While this added to Steve’s experience as he struggled with his day to day reaping, adding a few extra days to Steve’s plight would have helped bring balance to the plot. With a little extra time, readers would have been able to see a more elaborate version of Steve searching for a different way and trying to experience “life” even though he was a reaper. The connection to him as a character would have been solidified and the ending would have definitely brought out a stronger emotional response.

But the little things are what I really enjoyed about The Reaper’s Quota. All the details and effort Sarah McKnight put into Steve contemplating what he would be feeling or thinking if he were still human. Even though it was all done through telling, as Steve could not experience it, it was so well written and added to the impact readers felt with his struggle.

The Reaper’s Quota contemplates life, death, and the choices people make and their final paths because of them. If you enjoy dark humor and the search for a second chance give this a read. And with the way it ends, you’ll definitely want to jump straight to book two.